Eating Early?

[Xena]

ooc: Private thread.

I was in a building, with only instinct guiding me around.

It was pretty early, about 6.10 in the morning. I slept late, around 12.40 in the morning, giving me a reason not to like today and having a crappy mood. I tried to go back to sleep, but to no avail. Besides, I was haunted by nightmares, or what I take to be nightmares. I could settle on a weird dream, actually; me and Kisara were being chased by these guys, when suddenly Saturos and Kurosagi came out of nowhere and rescued us. It was incredibly random and yet it brought fantasies along with it. I wondered what would happen, and how, if Saturos and Kisara end up together.

Oh well. A dream's a dream, after all.

I jumped to my feet that time, stripping off my pajamas, before taking a shower to wake myself up, and finally choosing something to wear. I settled on a white, kimono-inspired top with small, black leaves and flowers all over as its design, an black, Indonesian pantaloon with streaks of white running thick vertically, and black T-strapped sandals with beading. Satisfied with my outfit, I began an incredibly early day.

Whatever happened after that was blurry, but I do remember having a small batch of cereals, before the box finally ran out of supplies.

Going back to the present time, I finally realized I was in the hallway leading to the cafeteria. I don't lack Rabbits, but that's just it; I'm cheap, and I do not like to waste my allowance. But it doesn't matter, since I'll earn it back anyway. There was an idea that I was practically the only person roaming around to buy something.

The cafeteria itself wasn't opened, sadly, but there are the snack machines. I eyed the food items longingly, tempted to grab the whole thing and let it take root in my room.

And there are ice creams, too. The cold desserts are placed readily inside a large, frigid box. I tried to open it, but my attempts were in vain. It was until I noticed something just below the door handle. It was a coin slot, and it read, 5 Rabbits.

So they took the same price of the same food item from the ones they sell in town? I thought to myself as I eyed the slot. I sighed, before settling on a seat in front of the said machine, staring at it, thinking of whether having ice cream so early in the morning. I probably figured I needed sugar instead of a healthy breakfast. I took a glance around the room before sighing out loud.

I'd have ice cream now, before I eat more later. Besides, I burn off the calories everyday with the morning rounds. I'll also have to buy more food to eat in my room.

[R e d;;]

I hadn't really slept ever since I got into the academy, I miss my 3 guardians too much.. Especially Naix.. Even if he was a jerk, he still made it up to me..

I was sitting on the floor all night scribbling on some paper I had found in the drawers, I really like drawing.. >.>
It felt weird not to hear the voice's of Nicol and 250 fighting over a piece of spam in the early mornings.. Awkward it was for me..

I rose up from the floor took of my sleeping clothes and rushed to take a bath, then after I looked into my closet..

I decided to wear a short checkered blue skirt, making my knees viewable , and a black spaghetti top with white wings as a design at the back.. Then I got one of my favorite black and white stripped scarf, and wrapped it around my neck. I then wore my long white socks and blue sneakers with small white bunny prints at the side.

walking quietly down the hallway to the canteen making sure I don't run into some uninteresting people, there I saw Xena looking at one of the snack machines. My eye's widen at the sight of the very person who I longed to see, but she didn't seem to notice me...? Xena....?

I walked up closer behind her so I could tug her shirt.
in a low whisper.. I said..
"uhh...? Xe-"

[Xena]

I wasn't hopeless, was I?

I leaned my head back to stare at the ceiling, closing my eyes, thinking of eating or leaving. I figured I might as well do it; unless I'd want lines to go behind of later on. No people, no robots, no waiters; just me and the snack machines. It was a good thought. It made me happy that I could spend the morning away. What I found stupid was wasting it on snacks. Not full meals, but measly snacks.

Che. How pathetic.

I felt something pull at my very expensive top, making me snap my eyes in annoyance. I heard a small voice talking, but I cut her off without looking on her. Or maybe she didn't even bother saying the second syllable of my name out loud; it was pretty obvious she was referring to me. Without looking down, I gritted my teeth, trying to keep my cool, before unintentionally growling.

"What...?"

I sighed for a moment, before lowering my head to see a girl with brownish, layered hair. I narrowed my eyes, exaggerating on my sight, trying to recall if I ever gave this one my name. Or if I've seen her in the academy before. "Say, you look very familiar." I said out loud, even though it was only meant for me and my brain to hear and know. Don't tell me I forgot another person again. I remember that girl, Anne. I still don't remember her real name.

Now, I'm very good with faces, unless of course I haven't seen that person in a long while. So why am I forgetting her? Unless I've known her before I went to the academy?

Nonsense. No, no one I'm aquainted with before could even make it here. It's just impossible. But why am I thinking this? It was a plausible information. And then something in me finally registered the shorter female that tugged on my extravagant shirt.

"Alyss?"

[R e d;;]

I was shocked at her first reaction, she seemed almost mad at me. What did I do..? Then I thought to myself, maybe she's not in a very good mood, maybe... she's hungry? The look on her face seems to be like she hasn't eaten >.<

Maybe she's on a diet...

I made quick grin, and nodded my head. Happy that she still remembers me. To hear the word "Alyss" come out from her mouth felt good.

I made an expression on my face, and hugged her.

I let go after a few seconds, then I remembered what she was doing.. Diet! Well.. so I think she's on a diet..

I remember 250 saying that tofu, and soy milk are good when your on a diet.
so once again in a low tiny voice I said "tofu and soy milk!"

[Xena]

So I was right.

Alyss Aix, the girl that never spoke, came to the academy.

It was a startling discovery, but it should've come to me sooner. Children with alices are commonly diagnosed with psychological problems. It must be why Alyss here never gave out her own opinion, spare a few requests for ice cream and the like. She didn't even recite in class, which could've been a big blow to her grades. I haven't seen her report card. Okay, I think I'm getting a bit off-topic here, but you get the idea.

Silent and deadly.
Who could've figured this described Alyss best?

An expression popped up on her face, one that I couldn't read, before she embraced me, obviously happy that I could still remember her or that she found me. The vice-president. It's not like she's going to have a tough time finding me anyway. Ask around for me and who she asked would probably point her to the right direction. I'm always outside, after all. But then again, I don't think she'll speak.

She must have the alice of death glare.
You'll seriously freeze in fright when she makes eye contact.
I've seen Alyss' effect on Maruecia before.
It was hilarious.

I half returned her hug, looping an arm around her shoulder by instinct, when she pulled away and declared:

"Tofu and soy milk!"

I stared back at her, bewildered and blank. "What for?" I questioned her nonchalantly, letting my arm fall from her shoulders and back to rest on my lap.

[R e d;;]

What was she saying? damn! Maybe she doesn't understand me. I reached on my pocket to get a piece of paper, and the red crayon I had. I quickly scribbled on the paper and wrote "diet".

I really didn't want to speak, I'm not the very talky type of person. I always felt insecure with fact of hearing my voice. I only wanted to use this pathetic part of me when Its hopeless for the one I'm interacting doesn't understand at all.

as for my grades in reciting in class.. Ugh.. The teachers barely notice me at class, so I just ditch em..

I showed the paper to Xena and made a small unnoticeable smile.

[Xena]

Alyss looked about as confused as I was.

She let a hand fall to a pocket and retrieved a piece of paper, including a red crayon. I found it odd she was carrying a crayon in her pocket rather than carrying a bag instead, where she'd be able to carry a dozen of other stuff more, but it's her life, not mine. I placed my head on an upturned palm, the elbow of the said hand on top of my lap.

I watched her write something. I guess she didn't want to talk at all. It was frightening yet at the same time interesting to know that there was one girl that had survived her whole life without speaking, spare the most unneccessary things such as a request for dessert, but not even saying her point.

Alyss' paper suddenly showed up in my face, making me flinch. I looked down upon her face, swearing I saw her lips playing with a smile, but I couldn't be so sure. I looked at the word on the piece of paper and smiled.

"... Diet?"

I let a soft sigh followed by a giggle escape from my lips, not bothering to stop the noises from leaving; it seems she noticed that I was craving for dessert, or for food, that she mistook it to be the act of dieting. I shook my head and said, "I wanted ice cream. Do you want ice cream, Alyss?" I was eating ice cream a lot nowadays, I should probably lay off the sweets for a few months and stick to vegetables and meat.

[R e d;;]

Ice cream...? ooohh.. Xena look at me as if she was embarrassed.

then she had asked me if I wanted some ice cream. My eye's would widen after hearing such a word, and it did! OH THE GLORIOUS FROZEN TREAT.

I Nodded with great delight.

I'm not so destructive when I'm with Xena, Even I dint understand why I have so much feeling for her. Ehehehe.. Maybe because of the ice cream, Or the fact that she's like a sister? Maybe a mother? Nonsense! -_- 250 is like the mom I never asked for.. Naix is like a brother I've always wanted, and Nicol was the father that knew a lot of things..

Xena.. Xena.. Xena..

[Xena]

I watched her widen her eyes, and for a moment I was left thinking if the said treat was something she was sick of, but then she nodded delightfully, making me grin. Yeah well, so what if I'm going to pay five additional Rabbits? It's just for Alyss anyway.

I stood up and walked a few steps forward to reach the machine holding the ice cream. I glanced at it from top to bottom, before letting my gaze rest on the coin slot, my grin reduced to a mere slight smile. I dropped my hand into my pocket, fishing out two 5 Rabbits coins, before inserting one in and pressing a button for the flavor Alyss likes, specifically coffee-flavored ice cream. After waiting it to drop out, I walked over to the said girl, handing the treat to her, before returning back to the machine.

I repeated the process I had done earlier, getting myself a vanilla-flavored ice cream, before settling on the chair I had sat on before, eating it already. "So uh, Alyss." I began in between eating, saying her name just to make sure she was listening to me. "How come you're here?"

[R e d;;]

I started licking the frozen treat that she had given me, then she went back to get hers.

when she had gotten hers, she started asking questions about "why I was here". In my silent response I made a blue fireball on the palm of my hand, showing it in front of her face.

I then clenched it into a fist making the fireball disappear from her sight, and then I looked at her with a grin on my face. I looked back down to lick my ice cream.

ugh.. Of course she knew I was an Alice, with me here and all.. But how can I explain that to her? Hmph..

worthless words..

[Xena]

I thought the ice cream would've melted in the heat the fireball emitted. I sweatdropped, before moving a good ten inches away from her hand, watching it disperse in to the air right before my very eyes when Alyss 'popped' it - its disappearance could've been compared with a bursting balloon, only minus the annoying noise it makes after it disappears. Afterwards she threw me a grin, before returning to her ice cream as if nothing happened. This was a box of surplus surprises; Alyss' in the academy, Alyss having an extremely dangerous alice, and Alyss still loving coffee-flavored ice cream.

Yep. Chockfull of surprises.

I sighed and declared quite cheerfully, "You're a dangerous one, aren't you, Alyss?" Even though I knew there was a high possiblity she still wouldn't reply, leaving me to appear as if I was talking to air, giving the impression of my own psychological problems. Yes. I'm going crazy, I just know it. From the death of a beloved friend, to the stress of working every day, and to the handling of new students, I can well assure myself that I'm slowly, but surely, growing mad. Insanity is a blessing, considering how reality is the curse of the sane.

Yeaah. I'm really having a busted-up thinking process.
It's best to forget.

I finished the treat I bought with my own money, savoring its sweetness and coldness as it melted under my tongue, washing my worries away. This was the reason why I loved eating ice cream. It makes me forget about my troubles with its iciness and sugariness. And by the way, those latter adjectives are real words. Trust me, or look it up yourself, despite how ludicrous it is, to look double-check instead of trusting my word. Er, fine. You can't trust my word usually, as I break promises often. Go ahead, look it up and show me your face so I could laugh at you.

Ha ha.

That aside, I threw the finished treat's wrapper to the trash bin beside me, before turning my attention back to Alyss instead of talking about how crazy I am in my mind. "How have you been, Alyss?" I asked, trying to make conversation even though I knew my attempt would have a much higher percentage of being futile rather than actually succeeding.

[R e d;;]

She looked as if she was frightened when she saw the ball of fire on my palm. I made it vanish just in time too, I saw some drips of ice cream fall to her pants.. *sigh* I surely wouldn't want my ONLY friend in the academy to be mad at me.

Then she spoke "You're a dangerous one, aren't you, Alyss?"
I suppose I'm not to answer since it was sorta obvious. I really don't mean to be like this. Just that, It sometimes felt too good to hear.. Ugh.. Never mind.. But thats why my past doings was involved in killing..

its an obsession..


I was almost done with my frozen treat. I made a quick glance at Xena, and her face made me feel like thinking that she was on deep thoughts...

>.>
I was looking at me treat but I felt some movement from Xena.
again, she spoke up "How have you been, Alyss?"


I looked at her with plain sad eyes. Making it very clear that I'm not fine. I looked down at my half eaten treat.

[Xena]

I fiddled with my fingers, my eyes turning to my slender hands whilst my attention was divided between the environment, Alyss, and myself. I lifted my eyes briefly, glancing at my companion, getting rather awkward with her silence. I saw her keep her gaze upon me, proving the saying 'the eyes are the windows to the soul'. Now, instead of fitting in subjects that would be totally relevant, I'd be getting to my point.

Her eyes weren't smiling, giving me enough proof to believe that she wasn't at all jovial, but heck, when was she anyway? She wasn't the type to go all Mary-Poppins and start to break out in cheery dance with a lame song. Not that my comparison wasn't an exaggeration, but that's beside the point.

I gave her a melancholic smile, giving her my pity. "Ah, I see." My response was blunt and seemingly uninterested in prodding the subject even further, seeing that Alyss wasn't going to give me a real explanation to keep my head out of those pompous, irritating theories. I looked at her, waiting for her to finish her ice cream, having nothing else to say.

"Go on; finish up now."

I urged her encouragingly, breaking out to a grin. If she wasn't going to tell me anything, I guess she just doesn't feel like opening up right now, so I best be leaving her alone, best be leaving her privacy.

[R e d;;]

She then told me to finish my ice cream, eh.. maybe she has to go soon.. But i really didn't want her to go.



though she already treated me ice cream, I would be asking too much if I wanted to stick with her the whole time.

Heh.. So I swallowed the whole ice cream that was left for me to eat, then I stood up and to throw it in the bin.

I stood in front of Xena hoping that she wouldn't say ANYTHING like "I have to go now" or "oh look at the time see ya Alyss!", or atleast anything near of the meaning "leave".

Then I sat down beside her again, then buried my face on her lap..

[Xena]

ooc: [1] Based on Hiromu Arakawa's Envy and Wrath. [2] I'm talking about Envy here.

I widened my eyes at her display of affection, hauntingly reminding me of young children. I stuttered random syllables, my mind's gears progressing in an excruciatingly slow manner. It was painfully irritating for me to see that Alyss hasn't changed at all, while I took a turn for the worse attitude-change I've ever went through. I found myself hating her childish actions, my eyebrows furrowing together, making my negative reaction rise higher than any other emotion, but as I did so I found my feelings steering clear of that emotional block and to pity. Guilt. Regret.

I sighed in exasperation, fervently attempting to relax my face while my hand hovered above Alyss' head in obvious reluctance. Fate definitely has a bone to pick with me; how come my life came at me in frigid waves? I let my hand drop to the girl's head. I've seen enough violence-filled graphic novels that imitate a certain fictional palm-tree homonculus that doesn't take pity on children [1]. But I can't ruin the sister-like image that Alyss - and Kurai, I added hastily - had for me.

Me. As in, the freaking officer who doesn't want to do work. As in, the bloody kid who fell for two guys at once. As in, the girl who could change her appearance... like that homonculus. Oh, damn. Now I'm comparing myself with a moving palm-tree. [2] That's just odd and creepy.

As my mind came upon this thought, I let out a sardonic chuckle. In the academy, everything is odd and creepy. I should be used to this already, shouldn't I? An immediate thought backed-up against my reasoning - being crazy does have its benefits. For one, you aren't expected to understand so easily. My hand fell on Alyss' shoulder, long forgotten and, in effect, grew limp. My eyes went blank with emotion, and so did the rest of my face, except for an unusual scornful smirk on my lips.

Dull hazel hues replaced my original eye color, my - blood red, wasn't it? - contacts proving to be useless as my other hand rose to remove them both. I widened my eyes, the smirk glued to my face, as I took the colors out of my eyes. I threw them through the air, not caring where they'd land afterwards. I didn't feel like caring. My scalped itch slightly as it grew my hair longer, its color fading from brown to the darkest, midnight-black hair color.

Minature devil wings erupted from my back, faltering my smirk slightly as a grimace tried to gain dominance on my lips. But then, in reaction to a devilish tail bursting from the bottom of my spine, my hand on Alyss' shoulder tightened a grip on it, almost - I felt - enough to cause a purple bruise. Immediately I let go of her, just realizing I used my alice out of sub-conscious wanting and to just...feel...the pain. Instantly I was reminded of the unbelievably good-looking boy in the dormitory, with all the blood on his arm. I scowled, disgusted by the image.

I looked down upon the girl, who had buried her face on my Indonesian pantaloon, with an almost pitiful yet motherly expression. "Ready to go, Alyss?" I asked softly, speaking in a deadly whisper, acquainting myself to my theories in going crazy. The faint flicker of another mocking smirk invaded my lips, but I kept my face blank and kind just the same.

Damn, life was good.

[R e d;;]

I felt her hand on my shoulder, as if she wanted to press her nails into my skin. I Wasn't hurt, I considered myself a masochistic person when I was just left all alone in the streets.

Though to think that my only friend would hate me. That was going to strike me the hardest. Mental pain, It was going to be the end of me, If she does hate me.

I am being childish, pathetic, and annoying. But A child like me cannot really adapt that fast to anything at all. It practically 3 frigging years for me to get use to my 3 guardians. Heh.

Then I heard Her speak again."Ready to go, Alyss?" The voice startled me for a second.



I Lift my head and looked at her. I nodded once, but held a grip on her hand. Just to let her know I didn't want to be alone.

[Xena]

ooc: [1] zomgosh I'm really sorry. It totally slipped my mind Dx You can gimme a warning level if you want, or whatever as punishment.

Alyss was usually more responsive than this with me around. The thoughts in my head were swirling, incoherent and unorganized, in such a manner it baffled me a notch on how I continue to stand, unwavering, on two feet. I honestly expected the floor to come rising to my face any second that moment. In that degree of description, the thoughts gathering and revolving speedily around my head were really starting to irritate and - quite frankly - creep the hell out of me.

I see I've recovered my sense of cursing. I didn't know how much the words affected me, lessened the heavy ache of unpleasantness in my chest, until I've buried it deep down and dig it up again. Old habits die hard; it seems this one's going to have to wait before settling in its jagged, wooden coffin. The thought of coffins made me somewhat...eager? No, that wasn't the word I was looking for.

The timid - I haven't thought of calling her silent, for its not much of a description - yet somewhat powerful little girl, whose blood I almost stopped circulating to her shoulder with my hand, offered a nod in response. A single nod, nothing to even let anyone comprehend that she was hurt, was her reaction. It intrigued me, but also made me twitch in another wave of annoyance. Shouldn't little girls be more...overreacting?

By this, I don't mean to say I expected her to scream and yell and thrash wildly while I gripped her exceptionally hard. It just made more sense. I smirked. Yeah, screaming kids are just what my mind needs to stay on the delicate line called sanity. I almost believed it wasn't what I needed- no, what I wanted.

Almost.
The thought made me shiver and giddy at the same time.

The smirk claimed my face entirely, the mocking expression dominating my newly transformed hazel hues. I forgot the restriction, didn't I?[1] But it's not like anyone else would figure out that I used my alice. After all, the side-effect only lasts for five minutes, and surely no student would be able to be awake enough to realize that they weren't dreaming when they see a girl with small wings. They'll simply blame my change of appearance on black hair dye and a pair of colored contact lenses. No trouble at all.

Now, with Alyss' case...

I led her down the hallway, my pace set in 'brisk walking' mode, out to the early morning. A time span over half an hour passed; I wasn't entirely sure. Making assumptions of the current time while having a watch wasn't the brightest idea, but I didn't feel like raising a wrist to check. My thoughts kept grazing against other subjects in my head, further prodding my sanity over the edge. I needed to get my thoughts straight, or it wouldn't be long before the academy will be left in flames. An arsonist's job is an art, I must say.

Damn it, it's not a good idea to become a pyromaniac right now!

I massaged my temples with my free hand, scowling already, but not even a second passed when my expression swapped with the familiar smirk I've worn for the past minutes. Though, this one didn't only hold a sarcastic and mocking edge to it. 'Sinister' might be the word enough to describe the look my smirk was sharing. I found a way to the young Aix's loophole.

She was new, wasn't she? A good reason for not having a restrictor. But the blame would be put on the staff - or even the damned council, for crying out loud - for leaving a new student free. Yes, the excuse could work. It should be a backup plan, since I'm not really aware if the higher-ups can feel the signs of energy right now-
I stopped abruptly, fury suddenly shining with rage from my hazel eyes as the smirk dropped and I realized what I was worrying about.

And then I started to chuckle, breaking out to a loud laugh. A humorless, lifeless laugh.

Perhaps it was from worrying that I was going to get involved in a somewhat dire matter, or the new rage that bubbled up inside me whenever I worry of work or other suspiciously annoying traits and items, but I believed I finally snapped. During this moment, my smirk relieved itself from the brief vacation it took, and unsurprisingly, after another round of sardonic laughter subsided, it marked its place on my face again.

Prodding is a necessary way of gaining information from the girl who clasped her hand around mine tightly. Otherwise, she wouldn't respond at all. I looked utterly bored, the smirk lessening its grip on my lips as my expression turned dull. With a sigh I murmured, in reference to William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, a sentence to remind me of the things running through my head.

"These violent delights have violent ends."

[R e d;;]

I stare at her for a minute and looked away..

Whats wrong with Xena...?



Is there Something I di wrong?

Xena.... Xena..

I felt some mental guilt thinking That I did something to make her upset.

[Xena]

ooc: Alyss, we need to finish this up soon.

I felt the pressure of a gaze upon my face. I glared with sudden intensity at the girl with me, my temper flaring because of the way she stared at me for a time span of about six thousand split-seconds. The force of her gaze made me feel like something was wrong with me. It made my insides curl up against each other, lurching back and forth, menacingly threatening an urge to puke. The reaction was a not-so-subtle way of my conscience dropping the hint of 'She's damn right.'

A low rumble came from my chest; it was a second before my mind registered that I was actually growling. Heck, if I was going insane, I might as well do it thoroughly. A brief flashback blinded my sight, showing me the somewhat blurred images of a girl with pink-ish hair, one that I called a psychotic chick.

Well, look who's gotten it all wrong.

My dull hazel eyes bore a monstrosity in them as they flashed dangerously behind my eyelids. I smirked menacingly, thinking of the hostile enemy this girl would make. Somewhere, deep inside me yet not quite deep enough, a sane voice called out. Stop it, stop it! What're you doing, scaring a twelve-year-old girl? You're fourteen, for crying out loud! I snarled at the voice in my head, my sight leaving my companion and staring with the same expression at space. They roved around the shadowed trees, enveloping their barks with sheer hostility. I snarled again, hearing the voice in my head grow in intensity.

"Shut up, just shut up!"

Hearing voices isn't exactly a good sign, and I knew that. But was I going to back down against something only I could notice? Hell no. It's between myself and I, that one would be. Why are you telling me to shut it? the voice angrily snapped, bringing my eyes to a much more faster blur to scan the trees. I'm not the bad guy here, pal! the voice practically spat the word pertaining to a friend. I left Alyss Aix, my temper flaring and, finding an excuse to express itself better, caused me to run forward, before stopping abruptly by leaning my weight back while a leg supported the sudden cease of action.

"Prove your point, pal!"

The challenge hung in the air while heavy sarcasm lumbered behind it; I smirked triumphantly. Looks like that annoying voice in my head lost the battle. Not quite, a sudden voice chuckled. I groaned, slapping my forehead with my palm, exasperated. What a show Alyss must be watching right now, fascinated or apathetic she might be. It's a tad hard to look away when a female society-member suddenly talks to air, aggravated by something no one else can see. I growled menacingly, directing my intense gaze at the blank space in front of me while my attention diverted from Alyss Aix to the battle raging in my head. I intoned the words one by one, emphasizing on each, as if a single word represented a whole sentence.

"Get out of my head, lousy bastard."

Grim laughter echoed through my head, and I couldn't help but recoil away, my features blending to those resembling disgust and annoyance - but isn't annoyance practically a part of my disposition already? I could practically hear the smirk on its face as it compromised. I'll make you a deal, sweetie, it said, making me grit my teeth together in anger. Do the both of us a favor and kill someone, will ya'? It's getting pretty boring in here; the screams might be more entertaining than bothering ya' to hell. Got that, sweet cheeks? I wanted to tear out my hair out of helplessness, shake my head to disagree with him greatly, or even run forward, through the trees, through the horizon, where I'd leave my memories, my troubles, everything about me. Just leave Xena Zatkin alone.

But I wouldn't. I couldn't.
Because, quite frankly, the idea appealed to me. In a scale of 1-10, it'd be about 9, tops.
An absolute ten wouldn't just cover someone.

It seemed to me as if time froze - or I froze myself; it didn't matter. All of the things that went around me looked as if it was moving in slow motion. I turned around to face Alyss, who was roughly four yards away from me, five at most. I looked at her, knowing the blank emotion present in my features, my mouth set in a grim line while my eyes held nothing of importance on the surface. I figured this should all stop, right now. I couldn't take it anymore - but a part of me wants to know how long I could last walking where the sane wouldn't dare of dreaming of venturing in.

"Well? Don't you want to leave now? 'Cause I'm sure as hell that I do."